Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Syd Barrett - Barrie Wentzell "Stoned Tramp" Photo Session 1971

Photos taken at his manager's office in Mayfair, London; probably in late 1970 or early 1971 for promotion of his new album "Barrett", released in November 1970.

"Chris Welch and I went along to do a quick interview with Syd at his managers office. We were a bit apprehensive, as stories of Syd's behavior of late seemed bizarre. When we got there, we were met by a very upset guy who said Syd had locked himself into a room and he wouldn't come out. Oh dear! It seemed the stories were true. Chris and I spoke to him through the door and tried to convince him that we were his friends and that everything was ok. He slowly opened the door and ushered us in quickly shutting and locking the door behind us. He stood there looking very frightened, muttering, Those people out there are aliens, and are after me! We tried to tell him that they were his management and friends and they cared about him, as do we. He seemed unconvinced, and I took this dark side of Syd pictures and managed to persuade him to let Chris and I out and that wed send help. He took the key from his pocket, unlocked the door. We escaped and Syd locked himself back inside." ( Barrie Wentzell ).